Redlands Community College in El Reno just posted the largest enrollment in its nearly 90-year history, with 2,684 students enrolled this fall — a 12.2% jump from last fall. Sophomore enrollment alone climbed 23%, and the college also saw growth in first-time college students and concurrent high school enrollment.
President Jena Marr said the milestone reflects more than just numbers on a roster. “Reaching the highest enrollment in Redlands history is an extraordinary achievement and a reflection of the trust students and families place in our college,” Marr said, according to KOKH. Marr, the first female president in Redlands history, added that “everything the college does focuses on helping students find their path and achieve their goals.”
A Rare Nine-Year Tuition Freeze
Part of what's fueling that trust may be the college's pricing strategy. In June, Redlands announced that tuition and mandatory fees would remain steady for the 2026–2027 academic year, marking the ninth consecutive year without an increase.
Marr has framed the freeze as central to the college's mission, saying Redlands “plays an important role in providing affordable, high-quality education and developing the workforce required by business and industry,” per the same KOKH report. The college has also worked to trim administrative overhead elsewhere: in June, Redlands signed a memorandum of understanding with Rose State College and Seminole State College to share professional library services starting July 1.
Part of a Statewide Enrollment Surge
Redlands isn't alone in seeing its numbers swell this fall. The University of Oklahoma enrolled its largest freshman class ever, at 6,437 students, while Oklahoma State University hit a multi-decade resident enrollment high of 37,411 students.
The economic case for the college's growth is another consideration.
Degree Pathways Feeding Central Oklahoma's Workforce
Redlands has also built out academic pipelines meant to funnel graduates directly into in-demand fields. In April 2024, the college established an articulation agreement with Langston University allowing Redlands Associate Degree in Nursing graduates to transfer into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The college has said such partnerships create opportunities for continued education or workforce entry as it works alongside area business and industry to develop the workforce those employers need.
Governance has also drawn state-level attention. In May 2025, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Redlands alumnus Jason Murray to a seven-year term on the college's Board of Regents. The college also maintains agriculture business and animal science programs.
A Nearly 90-Year Institutional Story
The record class arrives as Redlands approaches its 90th anniversary. The college's institutional history is part of its long-running story, according to Redlands Community College.
Marr's leadership has also drawn outside attention this year. She was to be honored in June. Marr has worked in Oklahoma higher education administration, per the college.
Whether El Reno and the surrounding Canadian County region can comfortably absorb a growing campus population remains an open question, as does how well degree pathways like the Langston nursing partnership translate into long-term workforce retention across central Oklahoma. For now, though, Redlands' leadership is treating the enrollment record as validation of a strategy built on flexibility, affordability and dedicated faculty and staff supporting students toward their goals.
